Just a walk in the park for Billy and Al says Hayden can take a lot of credit for win No. 20
By Barry Lichter • 26 September 2019
Trainer Al Barnes is looking forward to seeing what Billy Lincoln can do in stronger company after his leg-in-the-air domination at Albion Park today.
Having his first start in Queensland, Billy Lincoln was taken straight to the front by driver Hayden Barnes who never moved on the horse in the run home to win by nearly 10 metres, justifying his $1.22 favouritism.
It was the 20th race Barnes has won for Lincoln Farms this year and one of the easiest, signalling there’s plenty more to come from the Bettor’s Delight three-year-old.
“His heart rate was low afterwards which showed he didn’t have to overly exert himself.
“I know he didn’t run any time but what I liked was how easily he did it.”
Billy Lincoln has gears left as he distances his rivals at Albion Park today.Cruising along in front, Billy Lincoln only had to run his last 800 metres in 58.2 and 400 in 28.6 to down Montana Nights, owned by Al Barnes himself and driven by his other son Brendan. His mile rate for the 2138 metres was a moderate 1:58.7.
“I wasn’t sure how he’d go over 2138 metres, because he wasn’t hitting the line in New Zealand, but he ran it out really strongly.
“Hayden was really happy with the run and that’s great for him because a bit of work and effort on his part has gone into sorting out a few of the horse’s niggles.
“We’ve been working on his confidence to make him feel good about what he’s doing.
“We pulled up his hopples because he was reaching for them in his trial and he had go-straights on to help him balance and keep him off his knee.
“He still did a bit wrong, he was on one rein a bit and ducking in, so he has a lot of improvement in him.”
Billy Lincoln first, daylight second.Barnes says Billy Lincoln will have another couple of easy kills before he faces anything of any consequence, especially after the respect he would gain from today’s annihilation.
“I’m looking forward to him having a harder run to see what he can and can’t do.
“But this time next year we’ll have a different horse on our hands. He’s a big kid at the moment and has a lot of growing up to do.”
Billy Lincoln became the fifth individual winner Barnes has trained for Lincoln Farms after Trojan Banner (7 wins), Lincoln’s Girl (4 wins), Vasari (4 wins) and Northview Hustler (4 wins).
“Now we just have to win with Sir Tiger tomorrow to make everyone happy.”
Sir Tiger races at 4.54pm NZ time.
More news in Harness
Hey Wendy and Amy, go easy of Fergs as he’s doing a sterling job taming Lincoln Linda
Third time lucky for Wave’s little bro Omaha Lincoln who finally debuts at Auckland
Copy N Paste a ‘tradesman’ but look for bold debut run at Cambridge on Thursday night
Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
